Local rider José Adrián Bonilla of team Citibank-Economy Rent a Car-Blue won yesterday's 11th and penultimate stage of the 45th Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Costa Rica, which consisted of a 30.3 kilometre time trial course, between San Pedro and San Isidro of Pérez Zeledón.

Bonilla achieved his second victory of this year’s race in a time of 40 minutes and 22 seconds, with BCR-Pizza Hut-KHS’ Gregory Brenes finishing at 8 seconds, and overall leader and virtual champion Janier Acevedo of team Greatwall-Indeportes Antioquia coming in third at 14 seconds.

This result only enabled Brenes to cut off seven seconds from the difference that separates him from the first place, and practically secures the 19th title for a Colombian racer at la Vuelta a Costa Rica. The other local hope, Juan Carlos Rojas of Plycem-JPS-Orbea, finished sixth, 59 seconds behind the day’s winner Bonilla.

With only one more stage to go, South American Acevedo is just about to celebrate what he considers one of the biggest triumphs of his career. “I’m more than happy, this is something we (the team) wanted since we got invited to the race. Tomorrow I will try to demonstrate that this title is coming home with the best riders”.

The local expectations now depend on the possibility of something that delays or even forces the leader to abandon during the last stage. However, this is something not likely to happen, given the superior performance showed by Colombia’s Acevedo over the past 11 days.

The final course, the “queen stage” of La Vuelta a Costa Rica, takes place today between San Isidro of Pérez Zeledón, and the very heart of the capital San José. It will be a 134.8 kilometre route, which will feature the unique “hors category” climb of the competition, at the “Cerro de la Muerte” (literally “Mountain of Death”).

It might be the dreamed scenario for a dreamed victory. Acevedo already knows what is required to conquer this climb after winning Saturday’s stage between San José and Pérez Zeledón. Therefore, it is possible that such feared ascent will become the champion’s red carpet. In fact, only two trophies are not in the list for the Colombian team. The sprints jersey is already assured to Citibank-Economy Rent a Car-Blue’s Eduardo Garita, while the U23’s winner's title is likely to be the consolation prize for the defending champion Gregory Brenes.